In the late 19th century poverty was caused by unemployment, illness and old age. The 1906 Liberal Government had to introduce reforms to tackle poverty.
Part ofHistoryThe making of modern Britain (1880-1951)
The poor received money, time and expertise from charitable Victorian people and organisations to help them deal with poverty.
Most of these charities believed in the theory of self-help and did not think the Government should intervene.
Many also believed that the poor should be ‘educated’ to live better lives and improve themselves, and that they would provide this ‘education’.
Others linked to religion and charitable individuals often saw themselves as ‘doing God’s work’ in helping the poor.
A number of these charities were not organised on a national level. This limited their effectiveness for several reasons:
